Prenatal Massage
Why is prenatal massage unique?
As most women know, pregnancy brings with it vast biological and physiological changes to the body. Carrying a baby will impact everything from posture to sleep patterns and can profoundly change how massage therapy should be applied.
Most importantly, prenatal massage comes with a special set of indications and contraindications that require the massage therapist to modify techniques, propping, draping, and more.
Because prenatal massage is more than just massaging someone who is pregnant, having a massage therapist that has proper training is key. While some of the contraindications, such as no deep pressure to the abdomen, may be obvious, others are more nuanced and require familiarity and guidance from an experience professional to fully grasp.
Further, the prenatal massage therapist will need to understand some of the other potential issues that may arise, such as preeclampsia and edema, and be able to coordinate therapy with other health care professionals. For all of the aforementioned reasons, most doctors will strongly encourage patients to seek out a certified prenatal massage therapist.
So it’s a great thing that I am certified to safely give prenatal massage!
Why prenatal massage is SO GOOD for new moms!
For a pregnant client, massage can decrease stress, ease muscular tension, reduce joint pain, improve sleep, and alleviate anxiety; just like it can for any other client. But, prenatal massage can also ease labor, positively impact hormone balances, improve birth outcomes, and even increase the general health of newborns compared to those whose mothers did not receive prenatal massage.
Many of these benefits are quantifiable but others, such as the psychological impact of an expectant mothers self-care or simply surrendering to being nurtured, are more delicately complex and understated, but none-the-less important.
Although pregnancy can be beautiful, it can also be exhausting. As a new moms body works to nourish the growing baby inside of her, she may feel exhausted all the time.
Also, you’re carrying around more weight than you’re body is used to — the average pregnant woman gains 20-40 pounds. A prenatal massage can help restore your energy, improve your mood, and rub away the aches and pains. Not to mention, it will put you into a deep state of relaxation that you may never want to leave.
Yes, it’s safe
Some people believe that prenatal massages are not safe, but this is not true. EVEN FOR FIRST TRIMESTER. There is no research that proves massage during first trimester is unsafe, that was an old way of thinking that was mostly based on the fact that first trimester is the most senstive time of the pregnancy. But the leading cause o fmiscarrage in pregnancy is stress, and so destressing your body thorugh massage is actually THE BEST thing you can be doing for yourself during your first trimester.
We as massage therapists are trainged in specific positions that will keep you comfortable and support your body.
Let me take care of you girl!
